Feliz Navidad.

Merry Christmas from Temple Economic Development Corporation!

 Clearly we are working hard today.
Link to video.
created at jibjab.com

Christmas 2011 Home Tour

Attempting to enjoy Christmas all month long, I tried to get a jump on decorating early. We started projects the week after Thanksgiving but as hard as I/we tried it seems like more could be done. A unanimous decision was made, also early on, that with lack of space and holiday travels we would go sans Christmas Tree once again. Next year will be different, hopefully.

My FAVORITE THING this year is the Santa Claus a little elf painted.  Neaelf did an awesome job and even painted one for his parents to enjoy at their house. For full tutorial on the Santa inspiration visit Bower Power.

My Second FAVORITE THING, an idea from Barefoot Daydreams, to display Christmas Cards. LOVE.
I have never claimed to be original in my decorating!

2009 Christmas Card picture with hand sewn ornaments by my Grandmother in a vase.

2010 Christmas card and a peek of pictures of from 1984.  My Mom dressed us in matching pajamas for our Christmas pictures we were eight, four and two.

Reminders of the Season as walk out the door.

For twelves months the door has been bare, I am so happy to finally have a wreath on the door to welcome you home.

Blessings to all this Christmas Season!

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulder.  

And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Might God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 

 Isaiah 9:6  

   

26.2 Rock N' Roll-San Antonio

Day three post marathon and I am stilling walking down stairs backwards and my big toe is still bruised but it was worth it. I fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith (2 Timothy 4:7).  My Mom told me before the race that my grandfather use to tell her "Work hard and when you think you have worked hard enough, work a little harder!" This was my race montra. 

Start time for the marathon was 7:30am and it was HUMID!  After kisses, good luck's, and hugs from Mom and Neal I weaved through the masses to my assigned coral, coral 10. 

My game plan was to not start out to fast, get in a groove and try not to walk until mile 20.  For the first mile I missing my Ipod; Beyonce', Katy Perry, Bob Marley, Dave Matthews Band, Kesha, Josh Turner and RENT all make great running buddies.  At mile two one runner was already on a gurnie recieving medical attention so I quickly forgot about music turning my attention to prayer.  I prayed for the injured athlete, all the athletes running, for safety during the race and praising God that thousand of us were healthy enough to be able to participate.  Miles 3-4 were downtown, we ran pass The Alamo and the crowd support was awesome and motivating. 

Miles 5-7 were uneventful.  At mile 8 I saw Mom and Neal! It is the BEST sight to see faces you know and love in the sea of fans.  There words of encouragement and high fives carried me through the next few miles, along with my S'mores Balance bar.  S'more bars of my new love for nutrition, they are delicious!

 At mile 11 we split from half marathoners, surprisingly I didn't have the urge to go the shorter route, but this is when the course got a little boring.  It was the beginning of an out and back that last from mile 11-20.  At my mile 13, the winner ran by the other way (he was on mile 19 or 20), not to long after that the first female ran by. 

Miles 15-20 were a mental fight, I wanted to walk but I kept passing people so I didn't want them to pass me back so I kept running.  Mile 17 was my first Gu EVER.  I was nervous that I would throw up, so I chased it with two cups of cytomax and got a ity bity boost of energy.  By mile 22, my run turned into more of a shuffle.  Someone had a sign that read "Everyday I'm Shufflin" which made me laugh but it was a struggle not to walk.  I took full advantage of every aid station walking through the volunteers handing out water, spounges, tongue depressors with vasoline, cytomax and gu. Mile 23 another gu and mile 24 is a blur and mile 25 I walked a little bit. 

FINALLY I got to mile 26 and saw a big sign that said "Go Elizabeth" held by the best looking guy.  He ran with me for a minute and told me the finish line was just around the corner.  As I rounded the corner, I saw my Mom and high fived her.  This all gave me the boost to run up an incline (not cool) and cross the finish line actually running!!!!  It was an unbelieveable feeling to stop running and get the medal.  My first thought was it really is not ever necessary to do that again, but was awesome to complete!  You can read here and here it has been on my list to do for a while and see here an update to the countdown to 3-0.

FINISHER!  Offical time: 4:16:32

The best things about running a marathon:
                      1. You get surprised with a hour and half massage, Thank you Neal!!!
                      2. You get to eat anything you want.
                      3. You get to see ladies who are pregnant running with "Baby on Board" signs on thier back.
                      4. You get to see and hear all the inspirational stories of other athletes and the path that  lead 
                         them to want to accomplish this goal.

Next race, five mile Turkey Trot Thanksgiving Day! Gobble, Gobble.

                        

Happy Halloween

God Is Good...

Yesterday my boss offered me the Director of Marketing position!  

After one month of being Manager, Research and Projects, I could not be more thrilled, shocked and excited!  Being recruted to Temple Economic Development Corporation (website redesign is first order of business) was an answered prayer but this opportunity reveals how generous our God is and how he delights in answering prayers in bigger and better ways than we can imagine! I picture God looking down on me thinking oh child you think this is it, just wait, I am not done.  Thanks be to God and all of those who prayed, encouraged and supported me.

Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.

Psalm 27: 14

Lexington, KY October 8-10

 In all of Neal's Kentucky adventures in the last 2.5 years he has not made it to Lexington.  Since he is getting married there in May, we though it might be a good thing for him to put his stamp of approval on the "Horse Capital of the World."  So we spent the weekend in the Bluegrass Region!  A few wedding related appointments were scheduled  to justify the trip and move along in the planning process, but we managed to work in a few highlights that involved bourbon and horses!   

First stop Woodford Reserve Distillery, Kentucky Fried Chicken! 

 Second stop,Woodford Reserve Distillery.  If you find yourself in the Lexington area, please please please make the 25 minute drive to Versailles to visit the distillery.  You can thank me later, it is awesome and quaint and a part of what makes Kentucky, well Kentucky! 

The ABC's of bourbon:

A: 95% of bourbon is made in Kentucky but to be bourbon it doesn't have to made in Kentucky, just made in America. 

B. Has to be aged in a new charred oak Barrel

C. Has to consist of at least 51% Corn

The day we were at Woodford, it was a perfect autumn afternoon, it seemed like everyday the colors of the leaves were more intense.

Sour Mash

Copper Pots

Aging Warehouse

All Woodford Reserve is aged for 6-8 years.  This warehouse is the only aging warehouse for Woodford.  Each barrel is worth $9,000.

Every good tour ends with a tasting!

From Woodford, we drove back to Lexington passing spectacular horse farms.  The kind of farms where the horse barns are just as nice or nicer than the residential homes.

 Third stop, Keeneland Race Track.  As luck would have it the fall meets at Keeneland opened the same weekend.  This was my first Keeneland experience! Our yuppie alter eagos soon appeared as Buffy and Calloway enjoyed the races.

After the races we, Buffmeister and Calloway,  rememebered an article from Garden and Gun, referencing many local dining options in Lexington (article here).  From the list we chose Dudley's on Short for dinner.  We shared two short plates and one appetizer, we highly recommend the Country Ham Gritters, delicious, fried grits and ham! 

We can't wait to share the city with all of guests in May!

PS: The official Neal Carlton aka Calloway stamp of approval was given!



Got it Going On

When you google "Got it Going on" you get the result 1. Someone with good luck or 2.
a really hot girl that has an excellent figure, a lot of class, and an extreamely friendly demeanor. I think both apply! haha.

What I really mean is there is have a lot going on with life.  N has been traveling for work or having his "man" weekends then on the weekends he is in town, I am not.  My weekend was spent in New Orleans with a fabulous group of ladies celebrating our dear friend, Erin, and her final days of bachlorette life.  IT WAS SO MUCH FUN!  During girl weekends I always say "why we don't do this more often?"  Hopefully this will be a more regular occurance. 

Most of the group had been to New Orleans several times and a few even spent their college years at Tulane.  For our mixed group we wanted to hit the hightlights of the City for the first timers and then enjoy the less touristy hot spots since we had some semi "locals" leading the way.  Friday night we kicked it off on Bourbon Street, as always it was debauchury and interesting people watching at it's fullest. 

Our hotel, Country Inn & Suites, had a excellent breakfast so Saturday we started off the day with the most important meal.  Then ventured out to enjoy the beautiful weather. 

Over looking Jackson Square

Jackson Square was full of life and entertainment.  We stopped for lunch at Muriel's .  Muriel's has a rich history which includes ghosts, a se'ance room, and the only public balcony overlooking Jackson Square.  Fredrico, our waiter, was EXTREMELY eager to share with us all the details and even give a tour.



Fredrico in action.

 

Se'ance

After the"tour" we shopped around French Market and watched a random swing dance competition taking place. 

Social

 After a little rest and relax back at CI&S  we went uptown for dinner at Jacques Imo's.  Jacques Imo's  has become one of the hottest food tickets in town, known for its eclectic mix of Creole and Cajun specialties.  A must have is the alligator cheesecake, it is a savory dish served as an appetizer...Delish!  After dinner we enjoyed a few high class cocktails at The Club (every drink is $2.00) then on to Gold Rush for some dancing. 


Realizing I am to old and don't know the song!

The dance moves continued through the wee hours of the morning, then an early departure to Chicago left me a run down but I would do it all over againg this weekend!

  Can't wait till the wedding on New Years Eve!!!!

I'mTired

As I sit here drinking my second Diet Dr. Pepper (ddp) of the day, after having coffee this morning, it appears my new work week schedule is catching up with me.  One of the compromises I had to make with my new job is a longer commute, which is really not bad, it just requires getting up earlier.  A normal person would accomodate the change by going to bed earlier..cough, hint, nudge...Elizabeth be normal.

GO TO BED EARLIER.

I wish I could be doing this:



Sunday afternoon nap.

 Since my commute is longer, I spend more time/money at the gas station.  Today I drove off with the cap still on the top of my car..more evidence I'm tired.  Luckily Auto Zone was not to far away, $7.00 dollars=new gas cap.  So here it is folks, a grand announcement....my name is Elizabeth and have a problem going to bed early, in that I can't seem to do it but i always wish i had.

SIDENOTE: Is anyone else concerned about how much aspertame they are consuming? Two ddp's a day adds up!

True Love.

A lot of love talk is taking place, but nothing as adorable as this video.

ENJOY. 

August 27, 2011=PermaSmile

Salado Creek, Salado, TX

Let's Go to Luckenbach, Texas

We spent Saturday in Luckenbach, Texas touring by bike in the Ring of Fire ride put on by Red Licorice Events.  We logged 65 miles total, Neal rode 42 and I settled for 23.  My intent was to ride 26 but I got a little confused going out of the gate (we were running late so I didn't start with the group).  My mistake was the first turn out of the start instead of turning left to ride the little ring (13 miles), I turned right.  This meant I was on the big ring (42 miles).  The 10.5 miles I peddled on the big ring were the most difficult I have ever ridden.  Here's what goes through ones mind when they are unfamiliar roads in the Texas Hill Country with temperatures rising to 100 degrees.

                                I am going to sell this bike.

                                Why am I out here again?

                                I could run faster than I going right now.

                               Am I going to right way? Where is everyone?

The first aid station was at mile 10.5.  This is where I realized my mistake and there was NO WAY IN H*** that I was riding 31.5 more miles.  Luckily another rider realized the big ring was out of her league and she had already called a ride back to the little ring.  She looked at my face and kindly asked if I wanted to ride (in a car) back to the little ring.  I wanted to kiss her!  The little ring was much more my speed, dare I say, enjoyable!   I will keep my bike, but we are now  frienemies. 

This guy rode 55 miles with his dog on his bike.  He said they have ridin over 4,000 miles together.  After the race he was getting a characture drawn of him holding the dog.  I overheard him say that the dog has separation anxiety..um odd? yes.

Post race beer and enjoying the local entertainment.  The quality of the photos is not stellar, I dropped my camera in the dirt which caused lens errors, dang it.  So all the photos are from Neal's blackberry camera.

We made some new friends and might have finally found a club to join.  When we lived in D.C. and were members of D.C. Tri, we were training, racing or volunteering at a race almost every weekend.  Since moving to Austin, let just say notsomuch.  

It was a great way to spend the day! Totally worth getting up at 5:30am on a weekend.  

Just Because.

I really like him,

LOVE.

Count Down-Update

Remember this post?  30 is approaching quickly, so let's check the progress.

• Run a marathon, like for real.  Rock N' Roll Marathon FINISHER November 13, 2011
• Visit Sea Turtle, Inc on South Padre Island
• Take the economic development certification test 
• Full weeks vacation to somewhere other than visiting family or a holiday
• Get engaged, hopefully even married :)  (sorry Neal, had to add it)  Neal proposed August 27, 2011, our wedding date is May 19, 2012!
• Welcome a new baby niece or nephew in to the world! (going to happen in October whether I put it on this list or not)  Elliot Brooks Leasure arrived October 4, 2011
• Sign up or complete a flower arranging class
• 70.3 Half Ironman
• See a Texas Tech game live, hello never even been to Lubbock, TX
• Shoot a gun (this has been on my to do list since 2006)
• Volunteer to serve at church on a regular basis   COMPLETE and ONGOING: volunteered for the summer in 0-6 months old nursery.  BABIES BABIES BABIES, there is no better way to spend 3 hours on Sunday morning: worshiping then rocking babies.
• DEBT FREE Made last credit card payment on July 15
• Grow an herb garden  Attempt one FAILED, might try again
• Complete La Sportiva Vail Half Marathon  BEAUTIFUL, it was a challenge but the scenery is worth all the effort!
• Visit Omaha, Nebraska
• Volunteer at a Ironman Competition
• Add anything else to this list at anytime in the next 13 months and then immediately cross it off.  Yes, I am one of those people.

A few that may take longer than 13 months:

• Visit Anguilla
• Spend at least one night in all 50 States
• Ride in a Hot Air Balloon
• Go to the Kentucky Derby 
• Host monthly dinner parties or start a dinner club

Rocky Mountain HIGH

N and I are running jogging walking trying not to die in the Vail Half-Marathon this weekend.  You know just a little challenge incorporated in a visit to see family.  The race starts at 11,650 ft above sea level, climbing 4000 feet during the race.  Hopefully oxygen will be provided along with water at the stops. This is the pep talk via email from Race Director Josh

"It should be a beautiful morning for a challenging and scenic run. There will be snow on course between mile markers 8-10.  From mile marker 8 there are small piles of snow that can easily be run over or around.  

Once you hit the 9 mile marker expect to have large piles of snow to navigate around or over.  

The course will be well marked in this area to help guide you through.  You will end up with wet

feet after this section but it will be a fun challenge."

Excuse me did I read SNOW, the rest of the country is under extreme heat warnings and we are choosing to run in the snow.  Can we say Crazytown.  

If you are curious the race map is below.  Before we endure the altitude we are going to Coors and Red Rocks. YAY! I have not been to either since the summer of 2001 when I was a tour guide at Coors Brewery.  This will be N's first visit.  I guess I should brush up on my script.

Wishing everyone a Happy Weekend! Please keep us in mind Sunday a.m., say a little prayer for a safe race while you are at church! 

Warby Parker

Ever heard of this company? Warby Parker? It is an online eye wear company that offers glasses at low cost.  For every pair of glasses they sell they donate a pair to someone in need. AWESOME.  Like TOMS but for your eyes. I was introduced to the company by CBS Sunday Morning. The segment peaked my interest and clearly I am in need of new glasses. 

Last week I ordered five pairs of glasses to try-on at home.  They are delivered right to your house. Just like this.

I had five days to try on, show off and take pictures.

Click on the pictures to make bigger.

My top choice is Reece Midnight Blue.  What do you think?  Now I need to send the glasses back, a prepaid return label is included and order my new eyes. Then viola my glasses will be at my door step for less that $100! Can't beat it!  If you need new prescription eye wear, they have sunglasses too, check out Warby Parker.  It is inexpensive, for a good cause and stylish!

**A current prescription is required and your pupillary distance (PD).  Don't know what a pupillary distance is ( I googled it) and found this.